Sangamon County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 40 of 46)

STIEREN, William. - To those of foreign birth seeking better opportunities to earn a living and secure land of their own, America has always offered advantages that are hard to resist. For many years Germany has sent some of her best citizens, who have adopted this country as their own, and realized many of their dearest hopes and given to their communities much that is good and true. A prosperous and progressive farmer of Sangamon County, who has brought his sixteen-acre truck farm to a high state of cultivation, is William Stieren, of Spaulding, Clear Lake Township. He was born in Germany March 1, 1845, being a son of John and Lena (Schmidt) Stieren, also born in Germany. The parents did not share the enthusiasm of their son with relation to the United States, living and dying in their native land. All of their eleven children are now dead, with the exception of William.

Receiving a thorough German training and education, Mr. Stieren grew to manhood on his father's farm, but having resolved to broaden his scope, came to America in 1888, sailing from Hamburg and landing in New York City, whence he came direct to Springfield, arriving there on December 29th. After a short stay in the city he moved to Riverton, where he spent eight years, then began mining, thus continuing until he located at Spaulding in 1898. His truck farm is one of the most highly developed in the township, and from it Mr. Stieren gains a good income. He purchased it in 1896, and his house, which is a comfortable one, has been largely rebuilt. During his residence in Germany Mr.

On April 20, 1872, Mr. Stieren was married in Germany to Catherine Holtzer, born in Germany. Like the elder Mr. and Mrs. Stieren; Mr. and Mrs. Holtzer never came to America, dying in Germany. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stieren, five sons and five daughters, six of whom survive: Lena, wife of Otto Ketzenberger, a gardener, lives east of Springfield; Sophia, wife of Michael Raylotts, lives in Springfield, as do William and Charles; Louis lives at home, as does Mary, wife of Harry Pittman, a civil engineer. There are seventeen grandchildren in the family. In religious faith Mr. Stieren is a Roman Catholic, belonging to St. James parish, of Riverton. He is a Democrat but has never sought office. Conservative and thrifty, Mr. Stieren has carefully saved his earnings, invested them wisely, and is proud of what he has accomplished since arriving in this country. Honorable in all his transactions with his fellow men, he has firmly established himself in the confidence of his community and is regarded as representative of the best interests of his township.

STOCKDALE, Wallace Tappen (deceased), was for many years a leading business man in Springfield, Ill., where most of his life was spent. He was born at Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, Ohio, January 8, 1848, son of Joseph and Melissa (Eliott) Stockdale. The father was born in Yorkshire, England, and the mother in Piqua, Ohio, November 5, 1818. Joseph Stockdale came to Ohio before his marriage, which occurred in 1840, and moved to Springfield, Ill., in 1845, when his son Wallace was about three years of age. He was a dealer in fine stock, especially horses, and a successful business man. He formerly owned a farm that extended from what is now Allen Street to Washington Park and other farm land and city realty. He and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in Springfield. They were parents of four children, who were educated in the public schools of Springfield. William Stockdale served four years in the Illinois Light Artillery during the Civil War and died as:a result of exposure in the army, on his return to Springfield.

Wallace T. Stockdale was one of three boys who graduated with the second class from the Springfield High School. He also graduated from Bryant & Stratton's Business College in St. Louis, and was a graduate of Wesleyan College at Bloomington, Ill. He had a natural taste for books and learning, and as a young man taught school several years in Sangamon County, earning the money with which he pursued his later studies. He received his legal education in the office and under the assistance of Gen. John A, McClernand, a prominent man of Springfield, and was admitted to the Bar in that city

Mr. Stockdale was married at Springfield, May 19, 1869, to Miss Etta T. Wood, who was born in Belleville, N. Y., December 28, 1846. She is a daughter of Alva and Tryphena C. Wood, the former born in Jefferson County, N. Y., November 1, 1810, and the latter born in New Hampshire, January 5, 1810. She was one of fourteen children and the youngest daughter. Mrs. Stockdale taught school twenty-five years in Springfield schools. Children as follows were born to Mr. Stockdale and his wife: Alice M., a teacher in the Edwards School in Springfield ; Thomas W., machinery superintendent in the employ of the Tiger Gold-mining Company, at Harrington, Ariz.; Mabel, a stenographer, lives at home with her mother. Wallace T. Stockdale died at his home, 101 Hast Allen Street, Springfield, October 27, 1907, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. He was an earnest member of the First Methodist Church, of Springfield, and interested in many benevolent and charitable movements. He was a strong Democrat all his life and was active and prominent in party affairs. Mr. Stockdale was an example of the higher type of American citizen, interested in the welfare of the community and ready to forward any beneficial public movement. Mrs. Stockdale owns the family home and other property located in the same block. She was formerly a member of the Woman's Club, is an officer in the Missionary Society and member of the Illini Historical Club, as are both her daughters.

STOGDELL, George W. - In naming the representative citizens of any community, we invariably find that among the most prominent are men who started in life with little or no advantages, either of an educational or financial nature, and worked their way to the top through their own industry and perseverance, One of the successful agriculturists of Sangamon County, who are self-made men, is George W. Stogdell, a farmer of Section No. 5, Range 3; Cooper Township. He was born February 6, 1847, near Georgetown, Scott County, Ky., a son of Simeon and Margaret (Moses) Stogdell.

Simeon Stogdell was born in Virginia, April 3, 1794, and his wife in Kentucky in 1816, and they came to Sangamon County, Il., in 1860, On October 11th of that year they located at Berry, but after one year there, spent a year on the North farm, and a year at a place one mile east of that property. In 1863 the family removed to the William Coe farm, and in 1864 located on the present site of George W. Stogdell's farm where they bought one acre of land. The father died February 4, 1861, his widow surviving until August 14, 1877. Of their seven children four are now living: Benjamin F., residing in Christian County; Martha, residing in Clear Lake Township; Sarah, who makes her home in Kansas; and George W.

George W. Stogdell's education consisted of seventy-five days spent in school when he had reached the age of twenty-seven years, as he was too busy with the work of the farm as a lad to get any chance for schooling, and whatever knowledge he has gained since that time he has picked up by observation and reading. As a youth he worked by the month during the summer and did odd jobs in the winter. In 1869 he began farming and has continued this occupation ever since. To the little oneacre property as a nucleus he has added from time to time and has managed to accumulate a fine property of 123 acres, located on Section 5, where he follows farming and stockraising. Mr. Stogdell is a Democrat in politics, and in 1910 was elected to the office of School Director, having served in that capacity for six years previous to that time. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as a Trustee, and helped to build the present church in Cooper Township.

On September 9, 1877, Mr. Stogdell was married in Dawson, Ill., to Eliza A. Clark, who was born January 3, 1856, daughter of Smith and Katherine Clark, the former born in 1822 in Kentucky, and the latter in 1825 in Pennsylvania. Mrs, Clark died in Crawfordsville, Ind., in 1859, and the father left Indiana and came to Illinois on the day of President Lincoln's assassination. Mr. Clark died March 24, 1902, at Exeter, Mo. To him and his wife there were born six children, of whom three survive, namely: Mrs. Stogdell; Philip E. Clark, who lives in Georgetown, Vermilion County, Ill., and one other.

Of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Stogdell there are now five living: Susan Ann, the wife of James Outerback, a farmer; Mary K., wife of Frank Toft, a farmer of Sangamon County; George C., living at home; John, who lives near Dawson, where he is farming; and James B., who lives at home. There are four grandchildren, namely: Blanch, Ruth, Neal and Dale Outerback.

STONE, George L., is an honored veteran of the Civil War and a highly esteemed citizen of Springfield, Ill., where he lives retired from active life. He has spent most of his life in farming and was fairly successful in this occupation. Mr. Stone was born in Greene County, Ill., February 15, 1841, son of Daniel D. and Jane (Scroggins) Stone, both natives of Kentucky, the former born July 12, 1814, and the latter in 1822. The father was a farmer in Greene County and the family moved to Texas in 1845, not long before the Mexican War, remained there two years, and then returned to Greene County. In 1850 Daniel D. Stone went to San Francisco, Cal., and remained two and one-half years. He made a trip to Sangamon County in 1860 to attend the Lincoln-Douglas debate, remaining a few days in Springfield before returning home. He and his wife both died in Greene County, he in 1868 and she June 5, 1854.

The education of George L. Stone was acquired in the old subscription schools of Greene County, Ill., where he occupied a slab seat, and after leaving school he worked for his father on the farm until he reached his majority. He enlisted, February 25, 1862, in Company E, Sixtyfirst Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Fry, and served three years. Their first hard fighting was at the Battle of Shiloh, and they went from there to Vicksburg, where they participated in the long siege. They spent nine months near Jackson, Tenn., guarding a bridge over the Hatchie River, then went to Helena and to Little Rock, Ark., Mr. Stone being flag bearer in the last-named battle. He was wounded at the Battle of Shiloh and sent to the new House of Refuge Hospital at St. Louis, where he spent four months, then rejoined his regiment at Jackson, Tenn. He was captured at Murfreesboro, December 16, 1864, taken to Andersonyille Prison, and held there until April 17, 1865. He weighed one hundred seventy pounds at the time of his incarceration and but ninety-eight pounds when he was released, in a very weak condition. He served as Corporal two years. He was discharged with an enviable record and had discharged every duty entrusted to him. He is

Mr. Stone was married, in Jersey County, Ill., October 13, 1860, to Sarah A. Williams, who was born August 28, 1845, and died June 8, 1896. She was a daughter of Solomon and Eunice Williams, who came to Illinois from New York in 1852, locating in Jersey County. The father died there in 1899. Five children were born to Mr. Stone and his wife, namely: Harvey, born February 28, 1869, lives in Girard; Eunice T., born August 2, 1871, married John M. Lynard, a carpenter and contractor of Springfield; Daniel L., born May 23, 1878, a painter and paperhanger of Springfield; and Claud died at the age of two years and nine months. Mr. Stone has fourteen grandchildren, all living in Illinois. He owns a lot in Girard, Ill., which contains 62 front feet and is 160 feet deep. He now lives with his daughter, Mrs. Lynard, at 1802 South Second Street. Mr. and Mrs. Lynard have four children: Goldie, Paul, Claud and Lucille. Mr. Stone is a stanch Republican and actively interested in public affairs. He served eight years as School Director while living in Greene County. He is a member of the Methodist Chureh. He is much interested in the history of his State and country and feels reasonable pride in the service he rendered in defense of the union. He is a public-spirited and useful

STOUT, Joab P. - Pioneers of Sangamon County have every reason to congratulate themselves upon the sagacity which prompted the selection of that locality as a place in which to found new homes. Climatic conditions and other natural advantages and the cheapness of land combined to offer tempting prospects to the hardy farmers who sought a place in which to rear their growing families. They did not stop to worry about the lack of schools and churches, for they knew they could easily provide them, and they did, first erecting rude log shacks, which served as school houses during the week and as gathering places for religious bodies of all creeds on Sunday. In time these were improved, together with other things, and today Sangamon County has some of the finest church edifices and best schools in the State, outside of Chicago. The sons of the pioneers, growing up to hard work, developed fine characters and resourceful habits, and today are numbered among the wealthiest men there. One of them who belongs to a distinctively pioneer family is Joab P. Stout, a large landowner of Section 10, Ball Township. Mr. Stout was born in the house he now occupies, April 3, 1860, being a son of Philemon and Louisa P. (Brasfield) Stout, the former born in Fayette County, Ky., April 19, 1822, and the latter in Madison County, Ky., August 9, 1825. The parents married in Menard County, Ill., the ceremony being performed by the Rey. William Crow, a Baptist clergyman. The Stout family came to Sangamon County in a wagon, arriving October 5, 1836, and the grandfather bought land comprising property still owned by the family. Philemon Stout never left this homestead, dying on it October 1, 1910, and his remains being interred in the family cemetery. The paternal grandfather was a native of New Jersey, who moved first to Kentucky and later to Sangamon County, where he secured land for ten dollars per acre and died upon it, in 1846. The Grandfather Brasfield went from Virginia to Kentucky, and thence to Menard County, Ill, in 18384, dying, however, on the Stout farm in 1864.

Joab P. Stout attended the Union district school in Ball Township, later spending ten months at the university at Lincoln, Ill. His life has been spent on his present farm and he now owns 670 acres in Sangamon County. He has always been fond of outdoor sports and enjoys his farming because he knows how to do it profitably and thoroughly.

The marriage of Mr. Stout took place in Coles County, Ill., September 15, 1886, to Ida Frank Sawin, born in Coles County, August 14, 1868, daughter of John Gilbert and Lovisa (Jones) Sawin, the former born in Edinburg, Ind., March 1, 1888, and the latter in Coles County, Ill., May 26, 1846. Both survive, residing at Mattoon, Ill., where Mr. Sawin is a dealer in grain. The paternal grandfather was a native of New York, who died in Coles County, as did the maternal grandfather, who was a native of Kentucky.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stout are as follows: John P., born December 21, 1887; Frank L., February 3, 1890; Edith L., March 9, 1892, and George D., July 30, 1899. While Mr. Stout is a Democrat he prefers to cast his vote for the man he belieyes best fitted for the office, irrespective of party lines. Although not a member of any religious organizations, he generously supports the Baptist Church, to which his family belongs. Mr. Stout has always taken a foremost place in any movement calculated to be beneficial to his community, and is counted among its progressive men. He has been successful in his life work, and at the same time has kept the friendship of those whom he has attached to him.

STOUT, Philemon (deceased). - In the annals of Sangamon County no name occurs more frequently than that of Stout, for not only was the family bearing that name one of the first to be founded here, but its representatives have always been men of high character, active in the promulgation of educational, material and Spiritual matters, and there are many of them still left here, while numerous others have gone out into other parts of the country to aid in developing and advancing civilization. The history of the Stout family is very interesting and has been compiled and issued in pamphlet form. It was founded in what is now Middletown, Monmouth County, N. J., in 1848, by Richard Stout. a son of John Stout, both of whom were born in Nottinghamshire, England. Richard Stout married, after his arrival in the Colonies, a young widow whose maiden name had been Penelope Van Princes. Her husband had been killed by the Indians, and she suffered mutilation from their hands, but fortunately recovered, and made her second husband a good and faithful wife. They had seven sons and three daughters, and through the seventh son, David, are descended the Sangamon County Stouts.

David Stout, born in 1706, married Elizabeth Larrison, and they had four sons and five daughters. One of these was Benjamin, who marvied first a Mrs. Ketcham, and later Mary Higgins, and his second son Jedediah is the fourth in the line of the Sangamon County Stouts.

Jedediah Stout had a son Philemon, born in New Jersey, May 18, 1785. When a lad, the family move to Fayette County, Ky., and on February 8, 1810, he married in Woodford County, Ky., Penelope Anderson. In 1836, animated by the spirit which seems to have inspired members of the Stout family to constantly move further westward, removal was made to Sangamon County, Ill. In this year, therefore, the family was founded here, settlement being made in Ball Township on 850 acres of land. Later this passed into possession of Philemon Stout, Jr., son of the elder Philemon Stout, and is now owned by Joab P. Stout. Philemon Stout, Sr., died in Sangamon County, on his new farm, January 31, 1846,

Philemon Stout, Jr., was born in Scott County, Ky., near Georgetown, April 19, 1822, and was only fifteen years old when the family located in Ball Township, this county. He had attended school in his native county, but after coming to Illinois was only given four weeks schooling, as the demands of the pioneer farm taxed his energy. After his father's death, much of the responsibility of the farm work fell upon his shoulders, and eventually he became owner of the homestead, adding to his holdings until at one time he had over 2,000 acres. The present beautiful farm residence was erected by him. and he made many improvements, believing in enriching his land and using the latest improvements.

In 1848, Mr. Stout was married in Ball Township, to Melissa Shoup, born in Piqua, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Downing) Shoup. Mr. Shoup came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and thence, in 1882, to Sangamon County, where he died in 1848, his wife surviving him. The children of this marriage were Samuel J., Sarah P. and George W. who died in early childhood, and John P. who died when' ten years old. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Stout married, near Athens, Menard County, in 1856, Louisa Brasfield, born in Madison County, Ky., daughter of James E. Brasfield. Mr. and Mrs. Stout had the following children: James, deceased; Joab P., whose biography occurs elsewhere in this work; Melissa M., wife of William T. Lewis.

Mr. Stout was a Democrat, and served as School Director, Highway Commissioner, Supervisor and Justice of the Peace for many years, giving an honorable, conscientious attention to the duties of the séveral offices. In the Baptist Church he was not only a consistent member, but an earnest worker and Deacon. His death occurred October 1, 1910, and his remains were interred in the little family cemetery on the Stout home farm, where the dust of others of the same name await the resurrection call. No man stood higher in the estimation of the people of Sangamon County than this kindly, genial gentleman who never forgot the Christianity he professed, but took his religion into his every day life, and gave to every one the treatment he asked in return. Charitable, he never openly spoke of his benefactions, preferring to keep them to himself, and he not only aided many materially, but gave sage, moral advice that steadied many and set wandering feet in the right path. Mr. Stout has passed from this mortal life, but the influence of his upright, moral life remains, and his children delight in recalling his good deeds, and profiting by his example.

remarkable development of this part of the State. One of them who has attained to a welldeserved prosperity through excellently-directed efforts along agricultural lines, is Samuel J. Stout, of Sections 24 and 25, Ball Township. He was born in this township, August 22, 1849, being a son of Philemon and Melissa (Shoup) Stout, the former born in Kentucky, April 19, 1822, and the latter in Madison County, Ky. They were married in Sangamon County, Ill. The paternal grandfather moved from New Jersey to Kentucky, and thence to Sangamon County, farming for many years, dying at the home of his son in 1846. The maternal grandfather moved from Pennsylvania to Sangamon County, dying on the farm now owned by Joab P. Stout, in 1864.

Philemon Stout, whose biography occurs elsewhere in this work, came with his father to Sangamon County, the trip being made in a covered wagon, in 1886, settling on the farm now owned by Joab P. Stout, there passing away October 1, 1910. His remains were intered according to his request, on the farm that had been in the family for so many years, beside the graves of other members of the family. This farm now so valuable, was purchased for ten dollars per acre.

Samuel J. Stout attended the district school in Ball Township, later going to a school in Mason County, and the University at Lincoln, but after finishing his education, he settled down to farming, having always been fond of stock. Since then he has devoted his life to farming and stock raising, now owning 2,000 acres of rich farm land.

Mr. Stout was first married in Sangamon County, June 31, 1870, to Emma Brasfield, born in Menard County, Ill., and died December 19, 1875, being buried in the family cemetery. Her father, John Brasfield, was a native of Kentucky who died in Menard County, where her mother, Sarah (Culver) Brasfield, also died, she too having been a native of Kentucky. The three children of this marriage are all deceased, two dying in infancy, and Edna May, born May 24, 1871, dying March 8, 1874. On August 31, 1881, Mr. Stout was married in Sangamon county, March 25, 1858, and died September 13, 1891, also being buried in the Stout cemetery. She was a daughter of Samuel Davidson, born in Tennessee, October 19, 1821, brought to Sangamon County in 1827, and is now living on a farm in Divernon Township. He married Amanda Nuckolls, born in Sangamon County, who survives, being now seventy-nine years old, while he is ten years older. Four children were born to Mr. Stout by this marriage: Nellie V., born June 12, 1882, married November 18, 1907, Robert J. Folonie, a lawyer of Chicago; Samuel P., born June 9, 1884, married August 31, 1910, to Blossom Stanley, and lives in Sangamon County ; Emma Melissa, born September 1, 1887, and Ray Davidson, born March 9, 1891, at home. Mr. Stout was married for the third time, March

8, 1895, to Miriam M. Davidson, born in Sangamon County, October 4, 1868, a sister of his second wife. One of the two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stout died in infancy, the other being James Howard, born June 3, 1901, a very promising little fellow, bright in his studies, and the pride of his father's heart.

-Mr. Stout has always been prominent in the ranks of the Democratic party, and has served as School Director as well as Supervisor for two years from Ball Township. He belongs to the Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Chatham; the Royal Arch, R. A. M. of Auburn, and Elwood's Commandery of Springfield, K. T. While not a member of any religious denomination, his family are members of the First Methodist Church to which he. contributes liberally. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Stout has found time to act as Director of the Farmers National Bank of Springfield for the past quarter of a century, and has been its Vice-president for ten years. He owns one of the most beautiful homes in Springfield, in addition to his magnificent farm of 2,000 acres of the best land in the county. Not only has he achieved a remarkable success in his business operations, but he is so genial and pleasant in manner that he makes friends wherever he goes, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

STOUT, Samuel Philemon. - Some of the most enterprising of Sangamon County's young farmers have been free to experiment as to the best methods of farming because of the liberality of their parents, who have given them property with which to begin their life battle. Because of this the agricultural interests of the county have prospered, many following along the lines laid down by those who were progressive enough to seek better ways to perform old tasks. One of these thoroughly scientific and up-to-date farmers is Samuel Philemon Stout, of Section 26, Woodside Township, who belongs to the old-established Stout family, prominent there since 1886. Mr. Stout was born in Ball Township, June 9, 1885, a son of Samuel J. and Emma A. (Davidson) Stout, the former born in Ball Township, August 22, 1849, and the latter, also a native of Sangamon County, was born March 25, 1852. She died September 18, 1891, but the father survives and is one of the richest men in the county. The grandfather, Philemon Stout, was born in Kentucky, April 19, 1822, but came to Sangamon County in 1886 with his father, and died there October 1, 1910. The maternal grandfather was born in Kentucky, October 19, 1821, came to Sangamon County at a very early date, and is now residing in Divernon Township with his wife, he being eighty-nine and she seventy-nine years of age.

Samuel Philemon Stout was educated in the schools at Pleasant Plains, Ball Township, Sangamon County, and in the University of Illinois, spending two years in the latter institution. Returning home he began farming and has con- tinued in that line ever since. His fine 160-acre farm was a gift from his father, but since he received it he has improved it very materially until it is now one of the best properties in the county.

Mr. Stout is fond of traveling, having made two extended trips to western States, and while on the last, was married, at Helena, Mont., August 31, 1910, to Blossom Stanley, a beautiful girl, highly accomplished and well educated. She was born at Wichita, Kan., June 10, 1887, a daughter of Edward B. Stanley, who was born at Alton, Ill., January 18, 1861, and was in the office of the Secretary of State under Goy. Altgeld, but later went prospecting in Alaska, later to Oklahoma, and died at Guthrie, February 17, 1904, where he was buried. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phylis Dohrer, was born at Morris, Ill., May 22, 1863, and survives her husband, living in Springfield. The paternal grandfather, Jesse Stanley, was born in Kentucky in 1825, and died in Guthrie, Okla., June 25, 1899. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Stout, Joseph Dohrer, was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 22, 1834, but moved to Missouri at an early day, dying at St. Joseph, September 20, 1908.

Mr. Stout, like his father, is a strong Demoerat, and has been called upon to fill the office of Tax Collector of Ball Township, being elected in 1909. His college fraternity is the Phi Kappa Psi, and he is a Mason, belonging to Lodge No. 500, of Springfield. He is a member of the first Methodist Church, of Springfield, while his wife is a member of the First Baptist Church, of that city. While too young to have had any military experience, Mr. Stout took a two-year course in military training at the university, and if his country had need of his services, he would without doubt be one of the first to raise a company. Happy in his home life, successful in his business, owning one of the best farms in the township, Mr. Stout has a bright future before him, and as he stands so high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, he will doubtless be sent to represent them in some of the high offices within their gift. If such a demand for his services should ever arise, it is to be hoped he will respond to the call, for the country has need of such men as he, resourceful, honorable, possessed of a sense of the true value of things, and connected with men of high integrity, who will make good laws and see that they are enforced.

STRICKLETT, John G., M. D. (deceased). - Those who had the good fortune to be ministered to by' the old time physician contend that the present schools are not producing the kind of doctors who graced the profession years ago. These physicians had no well-equipped hospitals in which to gain a costly experience, but were forced into general practice, where the lives of their patients hung upon their own in- dividual efforts. They had no runabout or automobile to take them from one patient to another, nor did they sit back in richly appointed offices and conduct an office practice only. The physicians of an older day rode on horseback or drove behind a plodding mare, to patients miles apart, in all kinds of weather, never thinking of their own comfort, but anxious to reach the suffering ones. They brought countless children into the world, guiltless of the many modern appliances, and kept the sick and aged alive without calling upon experts and specialists to aid them. This class of physician is passing, but here and there one is still found. One of those most honored for hig past work and. genial affability, was the late venerable Dr. John G. Stricklett, who during his last days lived in well-earned retirement at No. 1023 North Ninth Street, Springfield. He was born in Lewis County, Ky., January 16, 1823, a son of Jacob and Frances (Griffith) Stricklett, natives of Kentucky. The father, who was a farmer, died in Kentucky, but in 1852 the widowed mother came to Illinois with her family of five children, settling on a farm in Clark County. The sons, four in number, grew up hardy and strong, and three of them helped her conduct her farm. There the mother passed her declining years. The Stricklett family had been founded in Kentucky by the grandfather, Jacob Stricklett, a native of Pennsylvania, a soldier in the Revolution, and a personal friend of George Washington. The Great-grandfather Stricklett was born in Holland, while the Grandfather Griffith was a native of Sweden.

Dr. Stricklett attended the country schools of Lewis County and worked on a farm during his boyhood. Later he learned the shoemaker's trade, but worked at it only a short time, when he began studying medicine under Dr. Thomas O'Marshon. He later attended medical college in Cincinnati, Ohio, taking the eclectic course and receiving his diploma from this college. He then went to Clark County, Ill., and practiced there for several years, then moved to Linn County, Iowa, locating near Cedar Rapids. Soon thereafter, however, the war broke out and he enlisted in Company G, Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving until he was mustered out November 16, 1863, at Jackson, Tenn. Returning to Iowa, he practiced at Palo that State, for fifteen years, during which time he held the position of Town Clerk, being elected on the Republican ticket. His next change was made when he moved to Oakford, Il., but after three years there, he moved to Clark County, NOl., where he continued in practice until 1903. In that year he came to Springfield, which was his home up to his death, May §&, 1910, He was a Mason and a consistent member of the Christian Church.

Dr. Stricklett was married in Burlington, Iowa, to Virginia David, on November 27, 1862. She was born in Burlington, in 1840, and her parents were natives of Kentucky, who moved to Iowa at an early date. They made Burling- ton their home until death claimed them. Dr. and Mrs. Stricklett became the parents of five sons and one daughter: Sherman, Harry A. and Roy, of Springfield; and Minnie, wife of Samuel Watkins, of Petersburg, Ill. Dr. Stricklett owned his home. He was one. of the most charming of gentlemen, with the native courtesy of Kentucky, and had a host of warm, personal friends wherever he had resided.

STRODE, John A., for many years a farmer in Fancy Creek Township, Sangamon County, and now living retired from active life in the city of Springfield, is honored as a veteran of the Civil War and respected as a public-spirited and useful citizen. He was born January 4, 1854, in Sangamon County, a son of John and Mary (Stringfield) Strode, the father a native of Virginia and the mother of Kentucky. The father moved to Kentucky as a young man, lived there several years, and became one of the earliest settlers of Sangamon County, coming there in 1818 and settling near the Sangamon River, which he crossed, and there entered 200 acres of land from the Government. He spent the remainder of his life on this farm, passing away in 1866, and his wife in 1881. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was with Gen. Jackson at the last battle, at New Orleans, after which he returned to Kentucky and spent a few years there. He and his wife had six daughters and five sons and the only one now surviving is John A. One son, James, served in the One Hundred Fifteenth Illinois Volunteers and was killed at Chickamauga.

Mr. Strode was educated in the country schools of his native county, which were held in log buildings, with rude furniture, meanwhile working on his father's farm until the death of the latter. He then engaged in farming in Fancy Creek Township for himself, buying some land and continued to operate it until moving to the city, in January, 1898. In 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Moore, in the Methodist Preacher Brigade, and served until 1864. being discharged at Nashville. He participated in many important battles, and spent four months in the hospital at Nashville. He won the respect of his fellows and performed every duty faithfully and well. He is now a member of Stephenson Post No. 30, G. A. R., of Springfield. Mr. Strode was a personal acquaintance of Abraham Lincoln and entertains the kindest memories of that great man.

Mr. Strode was married at Bloomington, Ill., February 20, 1856, to Miss Letitia Gilmore, a native of Ohio, born September 19, 1836, daughter of John Gilmore. Her father was born in Scotland and her mother near Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Gilmore came to America as a young man, spent several years in Pennsylvania, and later moved to Ohio. Both he and his wife died when Mrs. Strode was a small child. He was a contractor for the construction of canals, mills and turnpikes, and the family came to Vermilion

County, Ill., when their daughter was very young and there the father built a mill on Vermilion River. The mother died there and the father took his family to Lexington, McLean County, where his death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Strode had five children, of whom but two survive: Alice, wife of Jesse Mitts, a farmer of Fancy Creek Township, and Minnie, wife of Edward Gentry, of Mason City, Iowa. Victoria, wife of A. Birdsell, died leaving no children. There are fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren in the family. Mrs. Strode's parents had two sons and three daughters and she is the only survivor of the family. Mr. Strode is a member of the Methodist Church and his wife of the United Brethren. They own a nice home at 1118 East Reservoir Street and also retain a farm in Fancy Creek Township, which they formerly occupied, and which is now managed by his son-in-law.

SUTTILL, John, a successful farmer and stockraiser living at 2220 East Laurel Street, Springfield, IH., was born in Burrill, Yorkshire, England, April 22, 1854, and-is a son of Francis and Margaret (Millen) Suttill, both natives of Yorkshire, the former born in 1823 and the latter in 1884. The parents lived and died on their farm in England, the father August 28, 1901, and the mother in November, 1880. They were parents of eight children, of whom seven survive. One son, James, lives at Camden, N. J. Francis Suttill was a son of a stone-mason, who worked in the Dells of Yorkshire, and was a minister in the Wesley Methodist Church. One brother of Francis, Matthew Suttill, is a coachmap, and lives at Washington, D. C.

The education of John Suttill was acquired in his native place, where he attended the public school. As a boy he worked on a farm one year for $25 per year and his salary was increased gradually until at the age of seventeen years he earned $135 per year, and he later began working for the Stockton & Darlington Railroad Company. He afterward learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked until he set sail for America, July 26, 1881, being twelve days on the water. He landed in Philadelphia, where he remained several months, working for the Reading Railroad, in the department where coal cars were manufactured. He left there March 3, 1882, and on March Gth reached the Wabash Depot in Springfield, Ill. After leaving the train he was walking up Jefferson Street and accidentally stepped off the walk, sinking in mud up to his knees.

Mr. Suttill's first position was with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, with whom he remained one year in the capacity of bridge carpenter. He then worked eighteen years as carpenter for the Wabash Road. He has traveled thousands of miles in connection with his work and has never met with an accident or been in a wreck. One reason of his safety and

Success is that he has never during his life tasted intoxicating liquors. He stands well in the estimation of his employers and fellowworkmen and is worthy the utmost confidence, For several years Mr. Suttill lived with an uncle, John Millen, in the village of Hast Springfield. John Millen died two years since and his wife six years ago.

Mr. Suttill was married, in Springfield, August 27, 1901, to Miss Pearl Haycroftt, who was born in Kentucky, February 10, 1886, a daughter of John M. and Jenny (Norton) Haycroft, first at Tice, and later at Cantrall, finally at Springfield, and Mrs. Haycroft now resides on Fifth Street. Four children were born to Mt. and Mrs. Suttill: Francis, March 1902 ; Celia, January 15, 1904; Margaret, February 6, 1906, and Pearl, November 22, 1909. Mr. Suttill is known as an upright and reliable man, a public-spirited citizen, and loyal to his friends and principles. He has a pleasant home and is very fond of his family. He is held in high respect and esteem by his fellows and served one term as Treasurer of the village of Hast Springfield. He is a member of Central Lodge No. 71, A. F.. & A. M., of Springfield, and for the past twenty years has belonged to the Salvation Army. He owns eleven and one-half acres of land in the city and has forty acres in his present place. He is industrious and prosperous and has won success through his own efforts. He is now engaged extensively in the hog business with Col. James W. Jefterson. They have erected some of the most extensive buildings for the purpose in the county, and are buying and shipping all the time.

SUTTON, Francis M. - Cultivating the rich Sangamon County soil has proven a profitable occupation for those men who have known how to do it correctly and to market their products so as to earn something more than a bare living. The present prosperous condition of the farmers has been brought about by a few progressive spirits, who would not rest content until they had changed the conditions that forced a man to produce food stuffs at a loss. One of the Sangamon County farmers, who was always ahead of the times in his work was Francis M. Sutton who spent the last. days of his life in Springfield. He was born in Madison County, Ill., July 7, 1885, a son of Josiah and Nancy (Swane) Sutton. The parents came from North Carolina to Madison County, at an early date, and from there moved to Bond County, where both died, having always been farmers.

Francis M. Sutton was educated in Madison County, and worked on his parents' farm until he began farming for himself. For twenty years he farmed in Macoupin County, then bought land in Sangamon County, which he brought to a high state of cultivation. On August 4, 1893, he retired and located in Springfield where the

On March 5, 1868, occurred Mr. Sutton's marriage, in Madison County, to Louisa J. McVey, born September 16, 1849. Her father was born in Madison County, in 1824, while her mother, whose maiden name was Calana Guthrie, was born in 1832, and now lives in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton had the following children: Walter J., lives in Colorado; Mayme E., married Oliver West, employed by the Electric Light Company, of Springfield; and Rosetta, wife of Henry Baird, traveling salesman for motorcycle works, of Rutland, Ill. There are two grandchildren: Catherine Baird, born October 4, 1900, and Carter R. West, born April 15, 1905. Mr. Sutton's residence is at No. 1307 East Phillips Avenue, where the family friends are always made welcome. They are all well known in Springfield and are highly respected. Mr. Sutton is remembered with respect by all who knew him.

SWEENEY, Arthur T. - Springfield has a reputation that extends all over the State, for the excellence of its hotels. No better accommodations can be found in Illinois, than those given by the hotel men there, who know how to make their guests comfortable and to provide for them in every way. One of the best known, and most popular hostelries of the city is the one presided over by Arthur T. Sweeney, who, during a somewhat extended experience as a' traveling man, learned just what was lacking in many hotels, and what was needed to make them homelike and comfortable. This experience is now being put to good use, and his patrons are glad to return to him when they are brought back to the city on business.

Mr. Sweeney was born, in Johnson County, Mo., August 17, 1870, a son of William H. and Sarah Sweeney, the former born in Ireland, May 10, 1838, and the latter in Christian County, Ill., June 15, 1835, The father was an engineer, who upon coming to this country located at Pana, Ill, but after five years there went to Johnson County, Mo., and spent thirty-two years within its confines. During the Civil War, he enlisted, serving bravely from 1861 to 1865.

After a boyhood spent in Christian County, Il, and Johnson County, Mo., Mr. Sweeney went to St. Louis to attend school, and upon leaving went on the road for the Deering Binder Company, Later he engaged in farming, then obtained employment with the Water Department of Springfield, remaining until he took charge of his present hotel. He is an Odd Fellow and Modern Woodman. In politics he is a Republican, and he has been of service to his arty. ;

' Mr. Sweeney was married at Taylorville, TIl., November 19, 1897, to Eva Ada King, born in Beatrice, Neb., December 26, 1882. The family moved from Nebraska to Girard, Ill., in 1888.

pleasing manner and knowledge of the world make him eminently fitted for his present work. He is well known all over his part of the State and his business is in a flourishing condition,

TACKETT, Jesse. - Many of those whose energies have been directed towards pursuits in various parts of Illinois, when ready to retire, settle in Springfield, where so many urban advantages are offered. There they can enjoy the comforts of city life, without foregoing those of a more rural community. One of the men who has proven his faith in Springfield, is Jesse Tackett, now living retired at No. 2303 East Kansas Street. He was born in Menard County, March 8, 1850, a son of John and Elizabeth (Helvesta) Tackett, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. The father, who was a farmer, came to Menard County at an early date, entering 100 acres of land, but later sold it for one hundred dollars per acre. He farmed in the county for many years, but went to Johnston County, Mo., where his later years were spent, and there he died in 1878. He lost his wife when Jesse was an infant. There were five children in the family, of whom Jesse and a sister, Mrs. Trinvella Stephenson, of Washington, Ind., are the survivors.

Jesse Tackett attended school in Menard County, and later the one at German Prairie, Sangamon County. During his boyhood days he worked for his father, and continued to farm all his life, until his retirement. While retaining an interest in his farm, he also engaged with the Springfield Rolling Mills, and later with the Springfield Boiler Company. He owns his pleasant home, as well as other property in the city, and is a man of means.

On November 7, 1896, Mr. Tackett was married in Riverton, to Nettie McCarty, born in Springfield July 4, 1858. Her father was a Sangamon County farmer, but both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Tackett have no children. Politically Mr. Tackett is a Republican. His religious convictions make him a member of the Christian Church, of which he is a liberal supporter. He is a reliable, responsible man, whose sympathies are always with conservative methods, and who is anxious to see the preservation of good government and the advancement of the city.

TALBOTT, W. A. - The records of Springfield show that the city is the home of a number of reliable, industrious men, engaged in various lines of activity, who realize the advantages offered by residence in the Capital City. Those who have families often choose it as a home because of the excellent schools, where their children can se- cure a good education. Among those who are helping to make the city better in every way, by living upright lives and exerting well-meant influence in the right direction, may be numbered W. A. Talbott. He was born at Curran, Lii September 2, 1871, a son of David C. Talbott and his wife Elizabeth, farming people. They located in Woodside Township in 1879, and since then have made that locality their home, developing and operating a farm that has become valuable.

W. <A. Talbott supplemented his common school education with a course at the Springfield business college, after which he went into the service of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. Later he engaged with the Buffalo & Ohio Railroad, and proved himself so efficient that he was made conductor. He is careful and conscientious, and no man has done more in his way than Mr. Talbott to make his road as near perfect as possible.

On January 29, 1896, Mr. Talbott was united in marriage with Frankie E. Gattan, born in Sangamon County, July 25, 1874. Her father was a farmer and stockman, who accumulated considerable property in this work. Two little ones have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Talbott, Dorothy Jane, on October 2, 1898, and Georgetta E., on March 10, 1901. Mr. Talbott is a Republican, but has never sought to come before the people in any public capacity. His fraternal relations are with the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, and they are pleasant ones. The Methodist Church holds his membership, and he has always given liberally of his means towards its support. Taking him all in all, Mr. Talbott is a man whom any community might well be proud to claim as a citizen, for he belongs to that class which forms the backbone of the nation.

TARBET, Dr. William L. - Probably no man in Sangamon County is better known than the Rev. William L. Tarbet, who is now retired after many years of service as a preacher of the Gospel, and the oldest member of the Presbytery of Springfield, of which he was head for a long period. Dr. Tarbet was born in Blount County, Tenn., August 8, 1825, a son of Hugh and Margaret (Kelly) (Engleton) Tarbet. The paternal grandfather of William L. Tarbet came from Virginia and located in Tennessee, where he became a farmer and _ slave-owner, and where his death occurred, while the maternal grandfather was of Scotch birth, a native of Edinburgh, and came to Tennessee during the early days in its history. Hugh Tarbet was born in Augusta County, Va., December 17, 1791, and his death occurred in Paducah, Ky., October 19, 1872. As a young man, he went to Tenpessee, where he met and married Margaret Kelly Engleton, born in Blount County, Tenn., March 24, 1900. After their marriage, the couple went to Hardin County, Tenn., where Mr. Tar-

William L. Tarbet received his education at Jackson College, Tenn., from which he was graduated in 1847, and for one year following, he engaged in teaching school at Savannah, then for two years he taught in the male academy in Lawrenceburgh, Tenn., during which time he was licensed and ordained. He then became stated supply to Brick Church and Cornersville in Giles County, Tenn. At this time the Synod sent him to Nashville on Synodical work and after nine months he returned to Giles County, and took charge of Bethany Church for three years, in 1859 going to Virden, Ill., where he continued as pastor of the Presbyterian Church until 1881. Dr. Tarbet then went to Carrollton, Greene County, and spent three years in the same capacity, and following that was pastor of the Pisgah and Unity churches in Morgan County for sixteen years, after which he went to Jacksonville, Ill.,° and remained there three years, then became stated supply at Divernon for three years, where he has since lived retired, only filling the pulpit when there was a vacancy. For twenty-five years, he was trustee of Blackburn University at Carlinville, when the Hon. John M. Palmer was chairman of the Board. Originally, an Old Line Whig, he is now a Republican. He was commissioner to the General Assembly on five occasions. After the nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, Dr..Tarbet called on him after his nomination, and after the President's assassination, he was on the Reception Committee when the body was brought to Springfield for burial, he standing at the casket when the public were viewing the remains. Dr. Tarbet was also a great friend of "Uncle Dick" Oglesby. In 1895 he made a trip abroad and was in Rome, London, Paris, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Venice, Florence, Antwerp, Brussels, Cologne, Heidelburg, Baden Baden, Milan and many other places of interest, as a member of Frank C. Cook's party.

Dr. Tarbet was married in Bowling Green, Ky., in June, 1853, to Emma Hall Colvert, who was born in Giles County, Tenn., and died April 14, 1885, in Morgan County, Ill., having been the mother of five children: Mary L., born in Nashville, Tenn., January 22, 1855, died in Virden, April 6, 1874; Ellen G., born in Giles County, Tenn., August 12, 1857, died August 13, 1887; William L., born in Giles County, January 21, 1859, married Alleta E. Bishop of Lincoln, Ia., and now lives in Chicago; Harry B., born in Virden, November 18, 1861, died in Vandalia, July 18, 1887, being at the time Principal of the city schools; and Emma H., born in Virden, December 5, 1864, residing at West Tisbury, Mass., but has been teaching music at Buchanan, W. Va., and divers other places.

On September 2, 1891, Dr. Tarbet was married (second) in Jeffersonville, Ind., to Martha Ann Potter, born in Butler County, O., August 17, 1833, daughter of Samuel and Fannie (Bryant) Potter, the former born in 1801, in Butler County, O., and died in Indiana, January 30, and was the first white woman north of Fort Hamilton, O. A monument has been erected on the site where the old Fort Hamilton stood. There were nine children in the family of Mrs, Tarbet's parents, namely: Elizabeth, Mary, Martha A., Marie, Hmeline, Margaret, Rhody, Abbie, Ellen, William B. and Samuel S.

TAYLOR, A. J. - Among the successful business men of Sangamon County, Ill., may be named A. J. Taylor, of New Berlin, where he has lived for more than half a century. His birth occurred at Westport, Fairfield County, Conn., Oct. 7, 1850, and he is a son of Francis and Henrietta B. (Morehouse) Taylor, both also natives of Connecticut. The family is of English origin and several generations lived in the State above named. The father of Francis was Daniel Taylor, who spent his entire life in Connecticut. Francis Taylor was born at Westport, November 27, 1821, and was married in his native State, where he carried on farming for several years before coming to Sangamon County, Ill., in 1851, He followed farming for a few years near Bates, and in 1858, removed to a farm near New Berlin, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which became the nucleus of his large land interests in the vicinity. He became very successful in his operations, becoming well known in financial and business circles in the county. He made a specialty of stock-raising and kept a good grade of stock. He added to his land from time to time as his financial condition warranted, and finally became the owner of 500 acres of excellent farming land. He retired late in life to New Berlin, and there his death occurred in November, 1888. By his first wife, who died in Sangamon County, in 1863, he had four children, namely: Mary, married Frank G. Coulter, a farmer of Sangamon County; A. J., of this sketch ; Francis I., a farmer living near New Berlin; Edward, a farmer of Bates. By his second wife, whom he married after settling in Sangamon County, Francis Taylor also had four children, as follows: Charles R., a farmer of Sangamon County; William, died young; Dr. Harriet S., practicing her profession in Chicago; Fred D., a business man of Chicago.

The education of A. J. Taylor was acquired in the public schools of New Berlin, and he remained on his father's farm and assisted in its conduct until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began work on his own account, first working for the Wabash Railroad Company as agent at various stations along the line, and afterward becoming book-keeper for his father and brother, under the firm name, F. Taylor & Son, who were conducting a general store in New Berlin village. Upon the death of his father, A. J. Taylor, remained in the position of salesman and book-keeper with his brother, F. I. Tay- lor. who continued the business in his own name until the summer of 1894, when the building and stock were destroyed by fire. Mr. Taylor who owned the building in which the business was conducted, rebuilt in a short time subsequent to the fire, erecting a substantial brick block with store rooms on first floor and office rooms and opera house above, nis brother retiring from mercantile pursuits following the loss of his stock by fire. A second fire in December, 1907, destroyed the later building and this was rebuilt the following summer and is a duplicate of the one erected in 1894. His business success has come to him as a result of his excellent business training and his natural ability along commercial lines. He has shown good judgment in carrying on his affairs and is considered one of the representative business men of his community. He has invested in various other enterprises in Sangamon County and has become influential and prominent in financial circles, having land interests in Sangamon County and elsewhere from which he receives good returns. His business reputation is of the best, and his name stands for honesty and reliability. Mr. Taylor has taken great interest in the development of Sangamon County, where most of his life has been spent, and has a large number of friends here. In political views Mr. Taylor is a strong supporter of the measures and men of the Republican party. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of New Berlin and is ready to lend his support to any worthy cause which he considers will be of general benefit to the community. TAYLOR, Edmund Dick. (Vol. 1, pp. 519-520.) TAYLOR Family, The, is prominent in the history of Westport, Conn, The first John Taylor located in Windsor before 1640, and his name is found in an ancient publication called "'Connecticut Historical Collections," page 127, owned by the writer of this article, who wishes thus to make a connected history between the new one in which this will be found, and the old one. John Taylor was a person of property, character, and influence; his will is to be found in the probate office, Hartford, Conn., dated Noy. 24, 1644. He was among those West Country People who, in Plymouth, England organized what is now the "Congregational Church" of ancient Windsor, Conn., the oldest Congregational Church in New England. They had embarked on the "Mary and John," which sailed two weeks before the rest of Governor Win- 'throp's fleet. After five or six years' residence in Dorchester, Mass., they removed to Windsor, Conn., one of the original towns in the State in 1639. In January, 1645, John Taylor, of Windsor, sailed from New Haven for England, to transact some private business. The ship in which he took passage was the first one built in the Colonies. Its name seems to be lost but it was known in Colonial History as "The Phantom Ship" for it never was heard from again, as none of those who sailed returned to tell the tale.

Jobn of Windsor was born in England. He was twice married and had two sons, one of them John of Northampton, Mass., born at Windsor, Conn., 1641, and married November 18, 1662, to Thankful, daughter of Henry Woodward of Southampton. He was "Captain of Militia" and very prominent in town affairs. He was killed May 18, 1704, by Indians, of whom he was in pursuit after they had destroyed the village of Pasemuck, which is believed to have been near Westport, Conn. Their son, "Lieutenant John," married Waite Clapp. It is asserted of him that he built the "Taylor-Finch" house in the early part of 1700. Later Judge Finch married Miss Taylor, hence the present name. At this date, 1905, the house is wonderfully well preserved, with rooms on either side of the little square front hall, up from which runs the narrow winding stairway, which is a feature of all New England colonial houses. The paneling of wood in the front rooms extend from the floor to ceiling, and the windows are placed without regard to size, or spacing or height, but evidently as it must have seemed most convenient to the builder. Going up the front stairs, one finds a delightful little cubbyhole, just the place for odds and ends, and so easily reached. The sun shines brightly through the windows of the parlor chamber; here are the original doors and paneling, and from the windows the same magnificent view over rolling hill and meadow, which John and his wife must often have enjoyed. Down two steps we go into a little low room under the sloping roof, with just space for a trunk at the farther side. From here a door opens into a dark room where a great whitewashed chimney, "the warm heart of the house," occupies most of the space. Part way up the garret stairs the steps branch off to the north and south attics, lighted by the little four paned windows at either end. The hewn oak beams are overhead, and one can see the worm .eaten roof boards under the shingles, which have been in place about 200 years. In the dining room which was the original kitchen, the ceiling is just six feet high with a broad beam through the center. The great fireplace is in this room, and when the family gathered in long winter evenings, here the apples were roasted, and the cider warmed on the hearth and the nuts and stories were cracked. No doubt the "Country Stick" was sometime brought into requisition, a hollow tube six or eight feet long with a mouth piece at one end and an ear trumpet at the other, where the young men and maidens might carry on their love making without seriously disturbing the rest of the family - not very satisfactory, perhaps, but they had to adapt themselves to their environments then as now. In the King Street Cemetery, Westport, Conn., is the. moss covered double-stone that marks the graves of himself and wife and which tells us that Lieutenant John Taylor died November 18, 1724, aged seventyseven years, and that "Mistress Waite, ye wife of Lieutenant John Taylor, died January 23, 1721, aged fifty-one years."

Lieutenant Josiah Taylor, second son and child of Lieutenant John and Waite Clapp Taylor, was born October 17, 1701, and died February 11, 1781. He was married August 2, 1729, to Thankful French. Their son Ahijah was born September 22, 1740, married Isabella Wyley. From "Connecticut Colonial Homes" the following description is taken referring to Westport: "Across the highway a few rods east of "Washington Inn" may be seen an old Elm Tree stump, near which until two or three years ago stood the home of Ahijah Taylor, grandfather of Mr. Theodore Taylor of Westport. We have a valuable record of Ahijah's loyalty and courage while he was serving in a Connecticut regiment in 1764, under Israel Putnam, in the French War at Detroit. Bradstreet's little army had been sent to relieve Detroit. Israel Putnam was Lieutenant Colonel and gave to Ahijah Taylor at this time his "warrant as Second Sergeant in the Fifth Company, a Battalion, where I am Colonel. Given under my hand and Seal at Arms at Detroit, this 13th day of September, 1764. Signed by his own hand, Israel Putnam, Lieut. Colonel." This commission was found among the papers of. Charles Wiley Taylor, M. D., son of Ahijah, about the year 1884, and is now in the "Norwalk Historical Society."

Dr. Charles W. Taylor, brother to Captain Dan Taylor, taught school for awhile in Fonda, N. J., and boarded with the father of William H. Seward, and had William H. for a pupil. W. H. was Secretary of State in Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet. Among the children of Sergeant Ahijah and Isabelle Wiley Taylor was Dan (not Daniel), who was afterward called "Captain Dan" by virtue of his Captaincy in "The Home Guards" of Westport. He was born January 18, 1778, married November, 1804, to Sallie Adams.- She was born September. 28, 1787, and was a daughter of Aaron and Rhoda (Hanford) Adams, of Westport, Conn. Her father was one of the wealthiest and most influential men of that section of country.

Captain Dan and Sallie Adams Taylor began housekeeping in a pretty new home built for them. It is plainly visible in the picture of Westport, page 414, in the above mentioned Historical Collections, and is now marked with a cross, so that the descendants may know it. It has since been beautified by a Mansard roof and fine porch, and a picture of it as it now looks, hangs in the writer's room, and is called "The Old Homestead," owned still by one of the family. It stands on a high hill in Westport and commands a fine view of the surrounding country as well as the Saugatuck River. Here the young men and maidens enjoyed the great "House Warming" that was held there after the wedding at the home of Sallie Adams, a hundred years ago. Sallie Adams Taylor was one of the loveliest of women, calm, sweet, and serene, as her picture indicates, loving a bit of fun, too, as well as any one could. Her son testified of her that he never saw her angry in his life, but then you and I know she must have been angry a good many times, but had a fortunately sweet way of not showing it. She died July 1st, 1865, aged Seventy-eight years, ten months. Captain Dan died in July, 1859, aged eighty-one years, seven months. He was almost

Francis Taylor, youngest son of Captain and Sallie Adams Taylor, is the connecting link between the old "Connecticut Historical Collections" and this new history.

TAYLOR, Francis. - There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored gentleman whose name introduces this review. His life history illustrates most happily what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success. His birth occurred at Westport, Fairfield County, Conn., November 27, 1821. His father, Capt. Daniel Taylor, was also a native of Connecticut. 'The family is of English origin and was established in the Charter Oak State, at a very early (1640) epoch in its development. Francis Taylor was reared and married in Connecticut. He wedded Henrietta B. Morehouse, also a native of Connecticut, and for some years he carried on agricultural pursuits there. After the birth of two of his children, however, he came to Illinois, locating at Bates in 1851. There he followed farming for a few years and in 1858, he removed to a farm near New Berlin. He commenced with eighty acres of land, but subsequently added to his property from time to time until within the boundaries of his farm were comprised 500 acres. He was very successful as an agriculturist and stock-raiser, and spent the last years of his life in New Berlin and died here in November, 1888. He was twice married, his first wife passing away in Sangamon County about 1863. Later he married again, his second wife being Harriet Rumsey, second daughter of Aaron Burr and Lucetta (Crane) Rumsey. She was born on Compo Beach near Westport, Conn. By this union, four children were born. There were also four children by the first marriage - Mary, the wife of Frank G. Coulter, a resident farmer of Sangamon County; A. J., residing in New Berlin; Francis I. also resides in New Berlin and owns and operates a farm; and Edward H., a farmer residing at Bates, Illinois. The children of the second marriage are Charles R., an agriculturist of Sangamon County, also a lawyer by profession, having been admitted to the Sangamon County Bar; William, who died in his twenty-fourth year; Harriet S., who is a physician of Springfield; and Frederick D., who is engaged in business in Chicago.

Mr. Taylor was a man of many sterling qualities, his tastes being strongly domestic, and all of his leisure hours were devoted to his family and in social relations. He manifested qualities which gained for him the good will, confidence and friendly regard of those with whom he was associated. He watched with interest the progress and improvement of the county, co-operating as he found opportunity, in its upbuilding, and he received the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one of his years.

TAYLOR, Francis I., a representative farmer of New Berlin, Ill, a man of sterling integrity, prominent in the business and social interests of his community, is a native son of Sangamon County, born on his father's farm at Bates, July 26, 1857. His father, Francis Taylor, was born at Westport, Conn., November 27, 1821, married Henrietta B. Morehouse, a native of the same place, and came to Illinois in 1851. He spent some time on a farm near Bates, which was owned by Morris Ketchum, of New York, and subsequently moved to the neighborhood east of New Berlin, where he occupied an eighty-acre farm. He engaged in mercantile business in the village about 1881, and his son Francis I, became his partner in this enterprise after he had completed his education. Francis and Henrietta (Morehouse) Taylor had three sons: Francis L., Albert J. and Edward H. Albert J. Taylor was born at Westport, Conn., and is unmarried. Edward H. Taylor was born May 7, 1860, and March 4, 1891, married Minnie E. Coulter. There was also one daughter by this marriage, Mary, wife of Frank G. Coulter. Mrs. Taylor died in Sangamon County about 1863 and Mr. Taylor married a second time, there being four children born of this union. The Taylor family is of English descent and was early established in Connecticut. Francis Taylor was a son of Dan. Taylor, also a native of Connecticut. Francis Taylor died at his home in New Berlin, in November, 1888. He uad purcnased eighty acres of land upon coming to the vicinity of New Berlin and had been able to add to his holdings until he owned 500 acres. His last years were spent in the village.

. and after the latter's death continued the business until the destruction of the building and stock by fire in the summer of 1894. His brother Albert J. afterwards erected a building to replace the old one, but Francis I. then turned his attention to farming. He is one of the leading farmers of his county and owns land in Sangamon, Christian and Macoupin Counties, Ill., amounting to about 1,000 acres, besides farm land in Nebraska, being a man of remarkable judgment in his business investments and an enterprising, energetic farmér. He received excellent business training under his father's supervision and has turned his ability in this direction to very good account.

In political belief, Mr. Taylor is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and although the township is overwhelmingly Democratic, he was elected to the office of Supervisor in 1906. He served twelve years as his neighbors and identified with the best interests of his township and county. He is a member a the Presbyterian Church and active in its work.

June 25, 1884, Mr. Taylor married Miss Minnie L., daughter of Henry and Louisa (Arenz) Yates, who is a cousin of Richard Yates, her father being a brother of the older Richard Yates, the noted War Governor of Illinois. Mrs. Taylor was born at Berlin, Ill., October 9, 1859. Her father was born March 7, 1835, also at Berlin, son of Henry Yates, who was born in Caroline County, Va., October 29, 1786, and her mother was born at Beardstown, Ill, June 14, 1886, a daughter of Hon. Francis Arenz. Five children were born to Mr. Taylor and his wife: Nellie Y., March 19, 1885; Frank M., April 6, 1887; Harry Y., June 29, 1889; Thomas Rhea, August 16, 1892; William L., November 17, 1895.

TAYLOR, Prof. John Edward - To be an instructor means much in these days of aggressiye methods, and Springfield has some of the best men in this line to be found in the entire State. One who has been attracting considerable attention on account of his ability, strength of purpose and excellent methods, is John Edward Taylor, Principal of the Trapp School, of Springfield. He was born near Williamsville, Ill., March 30, 1866, being a son of Isaac Jefferson Taylor.

Long before the Revolution three brothers - Isaac, James and William Taylor - came from England. Where James and William settled we are unable to find out but Isaac settled in Maryland. He moved to Chester District, S. C. One of his sons, John, moved with his family to Barron County, Ky.; to White County, IL; to Wayne County, Ill.; in 1829 to Sangamon County, and in 1849 to Davis County, Iowa, where he died in 1856. Seventeen children were born to him, three of whom - Simeon, Isaac and James - remained in Sangamon County, near where Barclay now stands, where they reared large families.

the National Normal of Lebanon, Ohio, Mr. Taylor began teaching at the Lakeside School near Elkhart, in Logan County, Ill. He taught there for one term, then taught five terms at the Smith school near Williamsville, in the district where. he was born. For a year he taught at Buffalo Hart, and for two years at the Kxnuckoll's school near Auburn. For a year he taught at the Jordan school near Dawson and for a year was at the Woolsey school near Auburn. For the following three years he taught the Fletcher school at Auburn. He was then made Principal of the Cantrall school at Cantrall, Ill., where he remained three years, and for one year was Principal of the Athens school he held for two years, resigning in 1904, the third year, when he was called to the Trapp School, a ward school of Springfield, where for the succeeding seven years he has been its efficient head.

On June 24, 1886, Mr. Taylor was married, at Elkhart, Ill., to Louisa Sell, born near that town, May 8, 1867, daughter of Andrew Sell, a native of Germany, who married Mary J. Turley, of Elkhart. Mr. Taylor's father died in 1895, but his widow suryives, being now sixty-nine years old. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor became the parents of one child, Alice, born April 29, 1887.

Mr. Taylor belongs to Tyrian Lodge No. 333, A. F. & A. M.; Modern Woodmen of America at Auburn; Court of Honor, Camp No. 1 at Auburn; Yeomen of America at Williamsville and K. of P. at Cantrall. The West Side Christian Church, of Springfield holds his membership, and on January 1, 1911, he was made one of its deacons. In politics he is an independent Democrat. He owns a beautiful twostory home at No. 713 South State Street. A man of culture and wide reading, Mr. Taylor is eminently fitted to hold his present responsible position. Not only is he a close student, but he loves his work and is proud of the advancement his pupils show.

TAYLOR, Lewis Cass, M. D., who has for many years been established in the practice of his profession in Springfield, is looked upon as one of that city's most enterprising and progressive ' citizens. He is well known in Springfield and Sangamon County, where most of his life has been spent, and stands well in his profession. He was born in Williamsville, Ill., April 9, 1854, and is a son of Ninian R. and Catherine (Halbert) Taylor. Ninian R. Taylor was a merchant by occupation, and a prominent citizen of Williamsville.

The early education of Dr. Taylor was acquired in the public schools; later he attended Eureka College, and he received his medical training at Bellevue Hospital and Medical College in New York City. He entered upon practice after receiving his degree, and has for sometime been a resident of Springfield. He has won a reputation for skill and ability, and is a member of the county, State and American Medical Societies. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order and has taken the degree of Knight Templar. He is unmarried and resides

TAYLOR, Robert R. (deceased), was a valued citizen of Sangamon County for many years and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Portland, Me., September 21, 1840, and there spent his boyhood and youth. His father, Richard Taylor, also a native of that State, was a ship-builder by trade and worked most of his life in Portland. He and his wife had twentyone children. The parents died in Portland. As a young man Robert R. Taylor worked with his father and learned the same trade, which he followed until coming to Illinois. When he first came to this State he spent a few years in Chicago and there learned the trade of a brick mason, which he followed for some time. Later he followed farming a few years in Lanesville Township, Sangamon County, and for fiye years lived in Mechanicsburg, after which he removed to Niantic, and there his death occurred in 1890.

Mr. Taylor was an industrious, enterprising business man and made many friends. He was a member of the Methodist Church, a Democrat in politics and took an active interest in the welfare of his community. For many years he belonged to the G. A. R. He was married at Decatur, Ill., in 1888, to Miss Susan Deins, who was born in England, November 25, 1848. Her father, Edmund Deins, was a music teacher and died in England, after which the mother came to Ameria and lived in Sangamon County until her death, in 1894, at the home of Mrs. Taylor. Of the thirteen children born to Mr. Deins and wife the only survivor is the daughter Susan. Wight children were born to Mr. Taylor and wife, of whom the only survivor is one son, William H., in the employ of the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad Company, at Springfield. Mr. Taylor's widow married Mr. Brock and now resides in Illiopolis, where she owns a pleasant home and other property.

TAYLOR, William Biddle - Among the most practical and painstaking farmers and stock raisers of Sangamon County is to be numbered William Biddle Taylor, of Section 6, Gardner Township, born in the township, June 1, 1843, a son of William B. and Beulah (Smith) Taylor, both natives of New Jersey, where they married, in June, 1830, the ceremony being performed by Jacob G. Smith. The father was born near Salmon Bay, December 25, 1800, while she was born December 19, 1810. In 1888 removal was made to Illinois and settlement made in Gardner Township. They had seven children, six of them surviving: John L,. of Arizona ; Roxana, of Michigan; Maria, of Fredonia, Kan.; Josephine, of Mason City, Ill.; William B.; Abigail, of Fredonia, Kan.

William B. Taylor Sr. located on the Beardstown Road, in Gardner Township, and there died about 1849, when William Biddle Taylor was about seven years old. His widow survived until about 1860, when she too passed away.

Growing up on the homestead, William Biddle Taylor remained with his mother, obtaining what educational advantages he could. The family were poor and when he was only ten years old he assumed charge of the farm work, trying to operate the sixty acres of land left them. He went about among the neighbors trying to secure any kind of work that would earn him an honest dollar, and worked too hard for his childish strength. However, being very strong, he was able to do a man's work even in childhood. When he was twenty-six, in 1867, he was able to buy 114 acres in Gardner Township. On it he found a small frame house, but no barn, and to it he brought his sisters and began to develop a good farm. He soon began to feed a few hogs and cattle, and finding them so profitable, enlarged his operations. His farm consisted of eighty acres of prairie and thirtyfour acres of heavy timber, so that he worked almost incessantly. He alternately hauled corn and rails he split from his timber, finding a market for both commodities at Springfield. As soon as he had his first purchase under control he bought more land, now owning 274 acres of as fine land as can be seen in Sangamon County. Owing to his strenuous labor and neglect of his health, Mr. Taylor suffered from rheumatism for two years, which stopped his work of acquiring more land. After spending much money and effort with several specialists, Mr. Taylor called in old Dr. Higgins, who cured him, so he has not been bothered since.

On October 16, 1879, Mr. Taylor married Elizabeth Campbell, a native of Ashland, Ohio, where she was born in 1845 and was brought to Illinois in 1858 by her parents. She has two brothers, Rush A., a farmer of Gardner Township, and Burr, of Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are both deceased, as are four of their seven children. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had two children, one of whom died in infancy, the other being John L., born July 7, 1881. He has always lived on the farm, and is helping his father operate it. Being a good mechanic, he has equipped a shop with all kinds of tools for repairing and sharpening farm machinery. No city shop is better equipped, and his work compares favorably with any done in Springfield. The young man was married September 3, 1907, at Peoria, Ill., to Ethel B. Wiseman, born near Petersburg, Ill., January 1, 1888, daughter of Jacob J. and Carrie (Hornbuckle) Wiseman. They belong to leading families of that locality. One child has been born of this union, little William Jacob Hoyle Taylor, born May 31, 1909.

The Taylor farm is one of the neatest in that part of the county. The buildings and machinery are in perfect order, there is a place for anything, and nothing is left out of place. The stock is of the best grade standard breed, and a specialty is made of Poland-China hogs, which are shipped to adjacent markets. Mr. Taylor is a man to whom farming comes naturally and his long training makes him an agriculturist of wide experience. One of the truly selfmade men of Sangamon County, he has earned his 274 acres by toil such as few men ever go through with, and by overcoming all obstacles has raised himself to his present position of comfort. Meanwhile, he has done much to advance his community. He takes pride in relating his early experiences, stating that he was in field and meadow early and late, from the time of spring planting until after the crops were harvested, after which he had to haul his produce to Springfield. His physical strength and endurance are remarkable, for few men could have withstood such a drain upon their health as continued and unremitting hard work.

Mr. Taylor has seen wonderful changes effected. Good roads have been cut through the prairie; the land has been transformed into rich farms, while cities and towns have sprung up along the line of railroads not thought of when he was a boy. Telephone service draws the farmers together and keeps them in close touch with the outside world. He has kept abreast of inventions and scientific methods in his work, and his farm and premises show the character of the owner and his son, who has assisted him so materially.

TEATER, Terrence B. - The [Illinois Central Railroad Company gives employment to some of the most substantial men in Springfield, who are located in the city because of their connection with this great road. One of the men thus identified with it is Terrence B. Teater, car inspector at the roundhouse, who resides on his property on East Washington Street, and has held his present responsible position for the past quarter of a century. He was born on a farm near Latrobe, Westmoreland County, Pa., February 13, 1851, a son of William N. Teater and wife, natives of the same county. The paternal grandfather, Henry Teater, came to the United States from Germany, locating in Westmoreland County, Pa., where he farmed until his demise. 3

William Teater migrated to Shelby County, Ill., arriving there October 11, 1863, and buying a farm in Big Spring Township, where the mother passed away, in 1889, aged sixty-nine years. His life-companion being gone, the father went to live with his son Leander, then a resident of Tennessee, and it was at the home of this son that he died, in 1895, aged seventy-six years. The children born to him and his wife were: Sarah Ann, wife of Samuel Sigfried, died in Covington, Tenn., in 1907; James L. and Peter Henry both died in Shelby County; Amos, of Covington, Tenn.; Leander, now of Hampton, Ark.; Mary E., deceased, and Terrence. Peter Henry served during the Civil War and had the unhappy experience of being taken prisoner at the battle of Gettysburg. 3

Terrence Teater: was twelve years old when he was brought to Illinois, and received a good common school education in Shelby County, until he was seventeen years old. He was brought up to farm work, but upon leaving school entered the employ of the "Big Four" as fireman. At the end of the third year he commenced working in their shops at Mattoon, Ill., continuing there until 1883, when he was employed by. the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville Company as car repairer. In 1880 he was made car inspector for the Illinois Central Railroad, and placed in the roundhouse at Springfield, and this city has since continued to be his home.

1878 when he was united with Mary Keithley, of Belleville, Ill. She bore him two children: Honora, Mrs. Albert Chatterman of Clinton, Ill., and Aurora May, Mrs. Clarence Toons, of Clinton, Ill. Mr. Teater was again married, in 1885, to Miss Maggie Freelove, no issue. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the International Association of Car Workers. Politically he is a Democrat. While not connected with any religious denomination, Mr. Teater believes in moral uplift, and is anxious . to secure good government. He is a conscientious worker, giving his company his best efforts, and his value is appreciated by officials and men alike. In his home Mr. Teater is a considerate husband and father, and is proud of his family. He feels satisfied with what he has accomplished, for his advancement has been secured through merit. He has lived to see his daughters happily married, and grateful to him for educating and caring for them.

It is.such men as Mr. Teaters who form the backbone of any nation. Quiet, unassuming, steadily working at the duties each day brings, they are a force in themselves that is powerful and all the more felt because it does not appear on the surface, but permeates society and shows that good, honest endeavor will prevail in the end.

TEMPLEMAN, James W., a prominent and successful young attorney who has been engaged in practice in Springfield for several years, has held various public offices of honor

Templeman. The family moved on a farm in Wayne County, Ill., in 1880, and there James W. Templeman received his early education. He taught school four years in the country and served one year as Principal of the Wayne City School. He also served four years as County Superintendent of Schools in Wayne County, being the first Democrat elected to this office for sixteen years. He served as a member of the Forty-fifth General Assembly of Illinois. He - was an able and conscientious School Superintendent, and during his term in the Legislature introduced a bill fixing a minimum salary for public school teachers.

Ill., in 1907, soon after which he came to Springfield and engaged in the active practice of his profession, and secured a good clientele. He is prominent in fraternal circles and is Connected with the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Court of Honor and the Tribe of Ben Hur. He is actively interested in every measure and movement for the progress or development of the community where he has established himself, and is a useful and representative citizen.

Mr. Templeman was married August 29, 1900, to Miss Erma Garrison, of Washington County, I1., daughter of S. C. Garrison, a farmer of that county, and three children have been born of this union: James D., Veda E. and Elizabeth L. Mr. Templeman and his wife are members of the Christian Church. Mrs. Templeman is the only lady attorney in Sangamon County and was admitted to the Bar in Wayne County in. 1907. She is a graduate of the Centralia High School and attended the Southern Illinois Normal University at Carbondale. Ill., three years. The ae reside at 232 West Cedar Street, Springeld.

TERRENT, Michael J., now retired from active life and living in Springfield, Ill., where he has resided since June, 1866, was born in County Cork, Ireland, September 29, 1846. He is a son of William and Mary (Russell) Terrent, both natives of County Cork, Ireland. The father died there and in 1876 the mother came to America and located in Springfield, where she remained one year, then went to Boston, Mass., where her death occurred in 1897. Her sons William and Daniel were living in Sangamon County at the time of the Civil War. The former died in Boston, in 1891, and the latter died in New York, in 1889.

The boyhood of Michael J. Terrent was spent in his native country and he was educated in His father, who was a coachman, died when Michael was a small boy. After leaving school he became a longshoreman and after coming to this country was employed loading and unloading boats and similar work, in New York, where he spent about one year. He came to the United States in 1865 and soon afterward to Springfield. He worked ten years for Messrs. Kidd & Stratt, contractors, worked twenty years in the rolling mills in Springfield, then accepted a position as janitor at the Springfield Watch Factory, where he spent six and one-half years, and about ten years ago retired from active life. He has been a most industrious and thrifty worker and now owns a beautiful home at 333 Elliott Avenue. He is a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and in politics is a Democrat. He is affiliated with the Loyal Americans. He is respected as an upright and useful citizen and has many friends.

Mr. Terrent was married, in New York City, in April, 1865, to Miss Julia O'Callahan, daughter of Daniel and Ellen (Carrol) O'Callahan, who was born December 24, 1849. Her parents, who were born in the county of Cork, Ireland, reached old age and died in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Terrent have the following children: Mary, a Sister in St. Mary's Convent, at Dallas, Tex.; Ella, a teacher in the Enos School; Margaret, married David Walsh, auditor for Mr. Shumway's mining interests; Julia, stenographer in the employ of Dunn & Com-

THAYER, Edward Raymore, a veteran merchant of Springfield, Il., was born at Amherst, Mass., July 7, 1815, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Thayer. When he was about one year old, his parents removed to Petersburg, Va., but after remaining there about seven years, they returned north to Boston, Mass., which continued to be their home for several years. In 1835 - this being a period of large emigration from the Eastern States to the West - the family came to St. Louis, Mo. The father contemplated entering the mercantile business there, in which he had previously been engaged, but finding the field apparently overcrowded, and haying made the acquaintance at a St. Louis hotel of Mr. James L. Lamb, a prominent business man of Springfield, Ill., he was induced to come to the latter place, then a town of some 1200 inhabitants. Here he at once engaged in mercantile business, which he continued during the remainder of his life, his death finally occuring in the later 'seventies at the age of more than ninety years. Mr. Thayer was one of the contributors to the $50,000 fund for securing the location of the State Capitol at Springfield. In 1837, at the age of about twenty-one years, Hdward R. entered into partnership with his father, which lasted during the remainder of the life of the latter. During much of this time he was practical head of the concern and, for many years before the period of railroad connection with the Hast, was accustomed to make two trips each year by stage-coach to Philadelphia and New York for the purchase of stocks of goods. At this time the well-known Thayer store was located on the west side of Fifth Street opposite the Capitol Square and was the popular trading point of many of the older and historic families of Springfield. In 1863 the store was removed to its present location at 520 East Adams Street, south of the public square, which it has since occupied for nearly fifty years.

Mr. Thayer was also one of the founders of the Springfield Woolen Mills, which grew under his administration to be one of the large manufacturing concerns in the city of Springfield, occupying nearly one-half of an entire block on South Fourth Street opposite the Bettie Stuart Institute, but was discontinued some years ago. Hugh Armstrong, an early operator in this line, was an original partner and manager of the concern for a number of years after its establishment. 4

A man of quiet temperament, reserved manner, high moral character and business integrity, Mr. Thayer has devoted his life closely to his vocation, but has always been interested in issues tending to the local and public welfare. An original Republican jin political opinions, he is one of the few now surviving who knew Abraham Lincoln intimately and as a personal friend, and whose reminiscences in connection with the life of Springfield's greatest citizen and America's greatest statesman, have had a constantly increasing interest and value to the present generation. A historic event of national interest of which Mr. Thayer has some personal recollection, was the laying of the corner-stone of the Bunker Hill Monument at Charlestown, Mass., (now a part of the city of Boston), by Gen, Lafayette in 1825, which Mr. Thayer witnessed as a boy at ten years of age. |